Singers can apply for vocal competition

Applications are now being accepted for the 11th annual Voices For Hope vocal competition scholarship for New England vocalists ages 11-19, to benefit social service programs providing food and shelter to those in need through Local United Network to Combat Hunger (LUNCH).

Voices For Hope, combining music and community outreach, gives aspiring vocalists an opportunity to use their talent and love of singing to benefit those in need, while also giving themselves an opportunity to win a $500 scholarship and professional performance and recording opportunities. To date, participants have hailed from six states including winners from CT, MA, and RI.

The deadline for early submissions is March 1, and the final deadline is April 10.

The finalists will audition live in front of a panel of music industry professionals, and perform at the annual Harry Chapin Tribute Concert to be held on April 29 in Mystic. Winners receive a $500 scholarship, featured performance opportunities and a professional recording to be released worldwide. Winners from prior years have performed at the Bushnell, the Shubert Theater, the Granite Theater, the University of Hartford, with professionals such as Melba Moore, Diana DeGarmo, the Chapin Family, and Patti Austin. They have also released professional recordings through LUNCH to benefit local nonprofit agencies.

LUNCH, now celebrating its 27th year, uses the power of popular music to produce positive social action and sponsors this event not only to support important social services, but also to show kids that through their time and talent, they can make a difference in the lives of others.

Any eligible vocalist interested in participating in the competition may obtain details and entry forms from the LUNCH website at www. lunchensemble.com, or by calling 860-572-9285 before the entry deadline.

LUNCH was founded in 1989 by Grammy-winning songwriter Bill Pere, who is also one of Connecticut’s Official State Troubadours. He has appeared on a Cheerios box as a “HungerFighting Hero”, and was named one of the “Top 50 Innovators and Guiding Lights of the Music Industry” by Music Connection Magazine. LUNCH has involved more than 3,000 kids in hundreds of benefit performances over the last 20 years, raising more than $1,000,000 for social service programs.